Huel Latimer Wiley

Huel Latimer Wiley Born October 13, 1917 in Stigler, Oklahoma. He is the second of six children and was the last of the six to pass away. Childhood and beyond As a child my dad resembled Opie Taylor from the television program The Andy Griffith Show. Instead of Mayberry, my dad grew up in and near Stigler, Oklahoma. He went fishing barefoot; snuck away from his chores to check on his fishing lines in the Sans Bois Creek; hunted possum; and talked his cousin into flying out of the hayloft of the barn in a makeshift glider that they built. (His cousin was knocked unconscious, but later was fine.) He and his cousin Marshall were always up to mischief. He grew up on small farms. His Dad grew corn, cotton, potatoes, watermelons, cantaloupes. The cash crop was cotton. They had a few dairy cows and sold cream. Selling cream is what kept the family in groceries. They also had hogs and chickens. My dad joined the CCC (The Civilian Conservation Corps) when he was 18. He worked in the State of Oklahoma doing soil conservation work. He was paid $30 a month; he kept $5 and sent the rest to his parents. He worked in the CCC camps for two years, wearing army clothes and living in barracks. He was drafted into the Army in February 1942 and served in WWII and was in the army for 4 years. He was in France, Germany and Czechoslovakia. He was a staff sergeant. He was also a squad leader and their vehicle was a half-track. He has several medals and ribbons and a battle star. One of the areas where he treaded was the battle line of the Battle of the Bulge. He was stationed at Kirtland Field before going to Europe. That is where he met my mom. She worked in the supply department and later in adjudication. My Dad and Mom were married 49 years. Their children are Theresa Marie Parkhurst (now Nelson), Philip Andrew Parkhurst and Claire Louise Wiley (now Bailey). Military Served in the military from 1942-1946 Was a Staff Sergeant 53rd Armored Infantry Battalion 4th Armored Div., 3rd Army Ribbons and Medals: Army of Occupation (in Germany) European, African & Middle Eastern Campaign (Europe) Efficiency, Honor, Fidelity (Army Good Conduct Medal) World War II Victory Medal American Campaign Army Presidential Unit Citation (blue pin with gold frame): Awarded to units for extraordinary heroism in action against an armed enemy Battle Star for the European Campaign Was attached to the Army Air Corp (2 flight pins) Rifle marksmanship pins Ruptured Duck pin was for an honorable discharge My dad has several letters and awards of commendation from the Army. His ribbons and medals correspond with his service history. Please visit our online guestbook for Huel at FRENCH - Rio Rancho 1950 Pine Rd NE Rio Rancho, NM 87144 (505)338-2000